Throughout his illnesses , however , The Rib Shack continued to operate and grow .
“ Then in 2020 , business took off , and I haven ’ t looked back ,” he said .
The Rib Shack , however , is not just a restaurant . It ’ s a ministry . Since being released from prison , Shack has worked closely with the Good News Prison Ministry , an organization that helps inmates find their faith and ministers to incarcerated residents .
Shack , having fought to overcome the social barriers formerly incarcerated people are faced with , uses his story to show inmates that it is possible to turn their lives
A sweet , multilayered strawberry cake is one of several desert items on The Rib Shack menu , which also includes caramel and red velvet varieties . around and achieve their dreams . He also makes a point to hire former inmates to work at his restaurant , providing them with a second chance .
“ I believe in second chances , and everybody in here has a second chance ,” he said .
“ When I first came home , nobody wanted to give me a second chance ,” he added . “ I had to earn it .”
Growing from a small catering business to operating a bustling barbecue restaurant took years of hard work , Shack said , and there have been lean times when money was tight . However , he said , anything is possible through trusting in God and working hard . M
The Rib Shack owner Ronnie Shack ’ s vehicle is hard to miss as it serves both as transportation and an advertisement for his restaurant .
22 • MERIDIAN LIFE